South China Sea Dispute: Aussies Wary Of Donald Trump Presidency

Australians are in support of implementing freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea, which is similar to the being activities conducted by the United States.

According to a poll released on Tuesday, Aussies are, however, worried about security ties with the US, if the country comes under a potential Donald Trump presidency.

As China is militarizing and building artificial islands over reefs claimed by multiple nations, there is a sort of alarm in US. U.S. Navy officials are carrying a view of continuing freedom of navigation, as it is much needed in the South China Sea.

On the other hand, China had been claiming about 90 percent of the South China Sea as its own. The Chinese government has also attempted to limit navigation.

However, the US along with other nations view the sea as international waters, said Star and Stripes.

The survey showed that there is a decrease in public support in Australia for its long-living military bonding with the US. According to the survey, its lowest in almost a decade as concerns over the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency continues to grow.

An annual poll conducted by the Lowy Institute tends to show that Australians are uniformly divided on whether the country’s most essential foreign relationship is with the US or China.

This reflects a sweep in business and personal connections with the Asian economic powerhouse, said Financial Times.

The think-tank’s director, Michael Fullilove, said the results of the survey were incredible given Australia’s status as they have been the most dependable US ally.

Australia is known for its soldiers who fight beside Americans in every major battle during the 20th and 21st centuries.

“It says something remarkable about Donald Trump that in the event of his victory, nearly five in 10 Australians would seek to move away from Washington,” says Fullilove.

“Trump is clearly devaluing America’s soft power.”

He also said that, in case of Trump’s win, nearly six out of 10 Australian’s would be less likely to support Australia’s participation in military actions along with US.

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